Foul weather gear has the challenging task of protecting active boaters from rain, spray and rogue waves. But, if these were the only requirements, we’d all be wearing simple slickers. In addition to external water protection, foul weather gear must also offer a wide latitude of ventilation options due to varying exertion levels, must offer freedom of movement for active wearers, must be able to withstand the marine environment (including rough nonskid surfaces, chemicals and salt), and should be comfortable to live in for extended periods of time.

Matching Gear to Your Needs

We classify foul weather gear into five major categories: Offshore, Coastal, Lightweight, Fishing & Rain, Racing. So, which type of gear is best for your needs?

Offshore gear is designed for consecutive days or weeks of extended use in extreme climates. This is gear that you live in and depend on, the gear they wear on the Volvo Ocean Race. Fabrics (such as the most advanced GORE-TEX®) are heavyweight and highly breathable as well as durable, and this gear provides the most protection along with top-quality detailing. The hoods, storm flaps, collars and seals are the best available to keep water from penetrating through any opening. Reinforcements are the most extensive, guarding against abrasion from winches and deck gear. If you plan to engage in long distance racing or cruising—or if your local conditions tend to be nasty, invest in a top-quality suit, like the Musto (a West Marine exclusive), Gill OS1 or Henri Lloyd gear.

Heavy-duty fabrics for durability, breath-ability and longevity in harsh conditions, such as GORE-TEX Ocean Technology fabric and proprietary fabrics from Gill and Henri Lloyd

Coastal gear is designed for several days of continuous use in rough conditions, for all but the longest passages. Competent hood and collar systems, multiple pockets and unlined, multi-layer construction make coastal gear comfortable and protective. Look at our sixth generation Third Reef gear, as the world’s most popular foulies offer the best value in the class.

Medium-weight fabrics for durability—all waterproof; some are also breathable

Made for daily use in mild to moderate climates with the possibility of light rain, spray and wind. Use this gear for day-sailing and weekend trips in warmer climates. This type is ideal for most types of boating because of its light weight, good protection and relatively low cost. Some styles offer waist pants instead of bib overalls, and most jackets are short for greater mobility.

Lightweight fabrics for mobility and comfort, ranging from water-resistant to waterproof

Basic styles at value prices

Works great off the boat, whether skiing on mild days, hiking, or wearing it around town

While most foul weather gear 30 years ago was made out of welded PVC or a similar plastic sheet, most gear is now made out of a nylon or polyester base fabric with a variety of waterproof coatings. But PVC gear is still popular among fishermen due to its slick exterior, which makes it easier to clean up after a day of angling. PVC gear also tends to be the least expensive for short-term or occasional use. Finally, heavyweight PVC gear is the choice of commercial fishermen for its durability and slick surface. Look for Grundéns products on this site.

Non-breathable PVC fabrics for stain-resistance and easy cleaning

Heat-welded seams for total waterproof protection. More expensive sets have either cotton or polyester base fabric for comfort. Commercial suits have reversible bibs that increase the life of the suit. Suits generally have few outside pockets to reduce the chance of snagging on crab pots or other fishing gear

Dinghy gear is made for use in very wet conditions, with strenuous activity and the possibility of complete immersion. Very active sailors require extreme mobility, tight closures to keep water out and light weight for comfort. Dinghy gear is generally a simple shell worn over a rash guard or fleece. Check our selection from Zhik, which is very popular in the Laser and Laser Radial classes. Dinghy gear is more expensive and has more features, like the use of stretch fabric, more comprehensive hoods and additional pockets. Ronstan, Gill and SLAM are brands to check.

Lightweight fabrics for mobility and comfort; generally unlined so they provide no insulation—all waterproof; some are also breathable

Waterproofing & Fabric Selection

Breathable fabrics allow water vapor, but not liquid water, to pass through them. Two methods make this water transfer process work; either mechanical passage (through microscopic pores small enough to block liquid water molecules, but large enough for water vapor molecules) or chemical passage through a non-porous coating. When the heat and humidity are greater inside than outside your clothing, a breathable fabric acts like a water pump and transfers moisture to the outside of the garment. The more effective the fabric is in removing moisture, the more breathable the clothing system and the less likely it is that you will feel cold and clammy or hot and sticky.

Laminated micro-porous fabrics have a breathable membrane laminated between layers for strength and durability. The outer layer of the sandwich construction, usually nylon fabric, protects the membrane from both environmental and man-made exposures. The outer fabric is often coated with a silicone-based or other Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, which prevents water from soaking in. These fabrics, the most efficient in their breath-ability, are found on the most expensive Ocean gear.

Coated hydrophilic fabrics have a waterproof coating compound spread on the inside of the fabric. Hydrophilic, “water-loving” compounds are solid, so there are no pores or holes to facilitate the easy mechanical vapor transfer. Instead, the vapor moves chemically though the molecular structure of the coating from the warm, high moisture vapor concentration inside to the cool, low-moisture vapor concentration outside. They breathe at about 40% of the rate of micro-porous coatings under ideal conditions.

We find that foul weather gear that utilizes breathable fabric is substantially more comfortable when boating in warm climates, or when the boating activity requires exertion, and therefore results in perspiration. After the pace of activity slows down, non-breathable gear leaves you damp and cold, while breathable fabrics keep a layer of dry air next to the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.